Pocono high school football Week 2 preview: Krisiak the howitzer in PM West's air attack

Friday

Sep 7, 2012 at 12:01 AM

If there were any questions about the potential of Pocono Mountain West's offense, senior quarterback Jeff Krisiak answered them last week. After throwing for 368 yards and five touchdowns in a 35-26 victory over Bethlehem Catholic, the Panthers' offense runs through its strong-armed quarterback.

MIKE KUHNS

If there were any questions about the potential of Pocono Mountain West's offense, senior quarterback Jeff Krisiak answered them last week.

After throwing for 368 yards and five touchdowns in a 35-26 victory over Bethlehem Catholic, the Panthers' offense runs through its strong-armed quarterback.

"He started either Week 4 or 5 in his freshman year," said PM West coach Jim McCarroll. "He got thrown to the wolves early and did a nice job. He's basically spent three-and-a-half years as a starter. He's got a lot of experience. He's seen pretty much every defense they can throw at you. He's made some good decisions, so we're confident in his skills."

The Panthers host East Stroudsburg South (1-0) tonight at 7 p.m. The Cavaliers beat Freedom 16-14 last week.

The Cavaliers are going to face a composed Krisiak, who found seven different receivers last week. Matt Shelter led the team with 11 catches for 134 yards, while Mark McMaster (9-76) caught three touchdowns. Jordan Hardy and David Halliwell also caught touchdowns.

"I thought our team did well in practice the week before and we were fired up," Krisiak said. "We really took it to them."

Krisiak's experience with his receivers also played a factor in the opener. The quarterback said he's been throwing to his receivers for some time, helping with communication on opening night.

The Cavaliers present a tougher challenge for Krisiak and the Panthers. South's defensive line played exceptionally well against Freedom.

The Cavaliers' defense was solid last week, holding Freedom to under 200 yards (77 rushing, 108 passing) of total offense.

"I told these guys, South isn't going to lay down," McCarroll said. "They beat a good Freedom team. I watched them on film, they're a much better team than they were last year, so we have to come out ready to play. We have to make our own breaks."

The pick — Two teams on the upswing, but it's easy to like West's offensive punch. Panthers, 28-21.

Here's a look at the rest of this weekend's games.

The Indians are thin this year and a 34-10 loss to Marian Catholic wasn't a great start.

Stroudsburg takes out some aggression after last week's 20-14 upset loss to Northampton. Defensive end Kenny Tucker makes his season debut and RB Gerald Douglas returns from injury for Stroudsburg.

The pick — Mounties hit .500, 35-6.

The Huskies were baptized into the MVC with a 39-12 loss to Pocono Mountain East last week.